Rosie the Riveter Rose Garden Initiative

iWitnessed --> iRemember is partnering with the Spirit of '45 on the Rosie the Riveter Rose Garden Initiative.  This program hopes to have at least one rose garden dedicated to the Rosies of World War II in each state by 2020, the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.  iWitnessed --> iRemember was proud to plant the first memorial rose garden in the Commonwealth of Virginia as part of a half-day program honoring all the Rosies, and is currently working with groups in several other states to help them plant their memorial rose gardens. Want to learn more about this initiative?  Click here!

Rosie the Riveters are the nickname for the six million women who entered the workforce during World War II to build airplanes, ships, tanks, and other equipment necessary to the war effort.

• With so many men fighting overseas, the talents and commitment of women proved the United States’ secret weapon.  In the air-force industry alone, women made up 65% of the labor force by 1943. 
• Through 1945, it has been estimated that American women were responsible for the production of 296,429 airplanes, 102,351 tanks and guns, 87,620 warships, 47 tons of artillery ammunition, and 44 billion rounds of small arms ammunition.
• These American heroes were not just essential to the Allied victory in World War II -- they also paved the way for more American women to work in technological jobs!

The Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden Initiative intends to honor these amazing women, who were instrumental to the Allied victory in World War II -- and who created new opportunities for American women in STEM-related fields.

• iWitnessed --> iRemember is pleased to be partnering with the Spirit of '45 in the Rosie the Riveter Rose Garden Initiative.
• By 2020 -- the 75th anniversary of the end of the World War II -- Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Gardens will be dedicated throughout America to commemorate these inspiring role models

You can click this link to see the instructions for creating your very own Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden!  Thank you so much for your support of this effort!

Below are some highlights from a short interview iWitnessed --> iRemember recently conducted with the longest-working Rosie the Riveter, Ms. Elinor Otto. Ms. Otto worked in an aircraft production plant for more than 50 years!